Thursday, December 29, 2011

home

No animal even remotely compares in import to the dog here at Cold Antler Farm. Dogs get the lion's share of attention, love, and care. They live in the house with me. They share my bed and furniture. They get the best medical attention, food, and effort I can afford. Dogs are not livestock to me. They are not children, siblings, or any other simulacrum of human interaction. They are my dogs. That is enough.

I am a dog person. When I say that I do not mean that as a sub-culture identifier. I do not spend my evenings in paw-print embroidered sweatshirts scouring Petfinder.com to foster homeless canines or sifting through breed-specific email lists. Dogs are not my hobby, occupation, or entertainment. When I say "I am a dog person" I mean my personhood is intensely connected to, and made better through, my life with dogs.

They are my partners in living in this world. And I don't mean "partners" as a replacement for a human spouse or family, not at all. I mean partner in the most basic way possible. They are my wingmen, staff, and teammates. we exist in a primal partnership that has sang the same long howl since before any human beings had surnames or used complex tools. We ran beside each other long before memory-foam dog beds and nylabones. This partnership is ancient and ceremonial. It is the combination of two amazing stories, shared over meat and firelight. It is our legacy and privilege to share our lives with another beast so in tune and useful to us.

Dogs chose us. Unlike cats, horses, or other domestic animals, they became a part of our lives by their own volition. They didn't do it because of some cosmic wanderlust to serve man, but because we kept some mighty tasty scrap piles at the edge of our camp. So they became comfortable with our campfires and voices. and over the centuries have co-habituated with man in a pact of mutual benefit and success. Dogs, like man, are predators that live in groups and hunt by daylight. Their skills in running down prey far exceed our own. When the spoils were shared, pups raised with humans, and generations of selective breeding and adaptation were put in effect, we were gifted the company of an amazing and multi-talented animal. We now have dogs to aid people in every civilization in the world. No other domesticated species has become so useful in so many ways. So adaptable, varietal, and integral to our own civilization.

Dogs protect our livestock, homes, and children. They detect bombs, lead the blind, and track criminals and the stranded alike. Some tow boats to shore. Others race across fields in search of game. Some dogs flush, retrieve, or point. Others herd, gather, drive, or drove. Some dogs pull sleds, taking us where we could never go alone. Others sniff out drugs, detect heart attacks, or listen to sounds in the forest we could never hear. Some dogs fill stewpots while luckier ones sit on cushions in royal halls. They are heroes and villains. They are lab rats and show stock. Some dogs go off to war for us while others simply let us hold them until we can't cry anymore. Look at any painting or any piece of literature (of any class!) in the history of Man and there is a dog. They have helped us live, work, and eat and in this relationship both of our species have exploded in populations and prominence. While such population explosions come with their problems, the numbers don't lie.

I refuse to see all animals as equals. Call me a speciesist all you like. Livestock raised for our plate are not on the same emotional, societal, or cultural plane as dogs. Certainly not to me, or to our history as co-dependent species. If you have the audacity to compare my working dogs to my edible livestock, I have already stopped listening to you. Dogs are not dinner, they are home. And even if some dogs are raised as food by other cultures, it doesn't diminish the story of Dog, or negate the work they have done and continue to do with us humans. They have been watching over us, protecting us, hunting with us, carrying us, and sharing our lives since the story of modern man began. Don't you dare compare them to a pig.

I could live the rest of my life in peace without another person, but would collapse in spirit without a dog. This, I am certain. For those who don't like or share your life with dogs, my heart goes out to you.

Reading this with my dog's head in my lap.... I recently started reading "How the Dog became the Dog" by Mark Derr. An interesting albeit, (for me anyway) sluggish read. The history of wolves and humans is fascinating.

My daughter found her long saved for trip to Egypt dampened by the sight of poorly treated animals especially the dogs and donkeys. It is very difficult to explain to people who don't share my love of dogs how I feel. Very nice post Miss Jenna.

Dogs literally make us human. The relationship between the two species has changed the brains of both! My new little puppy makes every day special and full of smiles-I finally figured out that I can't live happily without a dog!

I, too, am a dog person...living life on this tree farm without a dog because my husband doesn't want "a dog in the house". Untold arguments have played out in the name of "my dog". Instead, he gave me adorable Boer goats and a flock of chickens. Surely, he doesn't believe those could ever take the place of the two yellow lab puppies I long to have. I have already named them: Emma and Darby. *sigh*

Wow. I kinda agree with Meredith on this one...a rather sanctimonious (not to mention mean-spirited) way to end what was otherwise a nice piece. (And btw, pigs are at least as smart as, if not smarter than dogs. I have no problem with that whatsoever, even though I'm a dog person through and through.)

I'm sorry but I think you're in denial about your livestock. One of the things that scientific research has uncovered is the ability of animals to feel and think to a far greater extent than we ever imagined. Of course, that makes it very difficult to eat them or use them for research but hiding from the facts doesn't change the reality that just because they're unlike dogs and humans, sheep, cattle and pigs don't feel and suffer. So, although I do eat meat and could never even imagine eating a dog, there isn't really any difference in the inherent value of life no matter what the species.

I fail to see how anyone can construe what Jenna said in this post as offensive.

Nor does she anywhere say that other animals feel or experience or are necessarily worth less than dogs. She is only saying that for her (and @JakeJeb - in my experience Jenna is always open to other perspectives and is very respectful of other people's own convictions. She is also unafraid to state and to live her own), there is a different and more powerful connection between her own heart/soul/mind and that of dogs than there is between her and any other animal.

How is it wrong to draw and recognize and hold and maintain a distinction between a partner and one's livestock? It is not a commentary on the relative mental or emotional capacity of any given speicies. Just a preference, and a difference in connection. "Don't compare my dog to a pig" is a very different thing than saying "Dogs are categorically better and smarter and more worthwhile animals than pigs or sheep or goats who are all thoughtless brute animals who can't feel." So don't put words in her mouth, y'all!

... sorry for being antagonistic. I will stop now. I generally feel the comments on cold antler are a positive experience, and I do apologize for adding to any sense of discord.

I'm having trouble understanding how someone describing their own relationship to dogs is offensive in any way. That would be like someone being offended when I wax poetic about being a cat person.

Blogs like this are mostly opinion pieces, and for that I am grateful. I learn so much from hearing another person's perspective, even when I don't agree.

Thanks for the lovely piece, Jenna. I have been tragically dog-less for ten years due to my career involving heavy travel. My cats didn't mind, but I felt it would be unfair to a canine family member. Now I'm settled and looking to adopt in the next few months. I cannot say how happy it will make me to feel part of a pack again.

Sentiments exactly…have “accidentally” become the owner of cats and I love them for what they are, and I sure love my horse, etc… but the dogs are something special. You don’t get much out of a cat in the passenger seat of a vehicle, but a dog makes the ride so much richer.

After overcoming a lifelong fear of dogs caused by an unfortunate incident when I was only a year old, I have recently welcomed a German Shepherd into my home. He is my husband's dream dog, finally come to life.

I am wondering, Jenna, if you have any resource recommendations for people like me, for whom living and working with a dog is not intuitive?

I've been reading your blog for over a year now and have noticed that your writing has gotten better and better. I loved your piece. For those who are offended why bother writing in, just move on and read people's writing that you agree with and leave the rest of us alone, nobody is trying to change you mind. I agree with Jenna's attitude and spirit. I remember when I first came across her site and she said in that day's blog that "she eats meat" and makes no apologies for it. I though woo I like this lady! Her and I could be friends. I don't like it when meat eater try to apologies or try to make nice with non meat eaters. Anyway I digress, Dogs are awesome and she express my feelings exactly and in a far more eloquently then I could have. Way to go Jenna, your article deserve an award!! Stay true, always.

I've been reading your blog for over a year now and have noticed that your writing has gotten better and better. I loved your piece. For those who are offended why bother writing in, just move on and read people's writing that you agree with and leave the rest of us alone, nobody is trying to change you mind. I agree with Jenna's attitude and spirit. I remember when I first came across her site and she said in that day's blog that "she eats meat" and makes no apologies for it. I though woo I like this lady! Her and I could be friends. I don't like it when meat eater try to apologies or try to make nice with non meat eaters. Anyway I digress, Dogs are awesome and she express my feelings exactly and in a far more eloquently then I could have. Way to go Jenna, your article deserve an award!! Stay true, always.

Seems like people read this blog to make pick the author apart. Very hrad to understand really. If you don't like what she says go away. There are so many blogs out there that I am sure there is at least one that suits you without all the silly put downs etc. I I understand the dog person thing, except I am a cat person and see dogs as a working part of farms and a pain in the house (and I have one in the house that I take very good care of). When he is gone I will move to the animals I want and that includes the border collie I want for help and warmth.

Each person has an animal that they really feel "connected" to. For you Jenna, it is dogs. For me, it is goats. I love dogs, but goats will always be tops. :)

I am currently dog-less right now. We had a Golden Retriever for five years, and goodness me... To this day I still can't figure out what turnip truck he fell off of. For awhile I worried that I might be soured on dogs for life; I did NOT like that Retriever!! He was afraid of everything, never wanted to go outside, and had bad allergies.

If I'm going to have a dog, I want a DOG! So the Golden went to a better home, and I'm saving my pennies for a working partner. A real dog. She and I can watch the goats graze together. :) My dream dog is a red Border Collie, but I wouldn't mind having a sable colored English Shepherd either. What I know for sure though, is that her name will be 'Dulcie'. Latin for "sweet".

Jenna, I really love your blog and your writing. While I don't think I would ever embrace owning a farm, I am trying to move toward a simpler and more homemade life. I love dogs and sorely miss Jake, my family's golden retriever who passed away just over a year ago. I equally loved the two cats my family adopted growing up, and the two cats I love and care for now. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way about this post was the final sentiment: that if I am an individual who does not currently share my life with a dog, or if I am someone who does not desire to do so, then I am inherently a poor, lonely sap.

I live with my boyfriend and my two cats, and although I love dogs and plan on adopting one or more some day in the future, as a 25-year-old city- and apartment-dweller, having a dog at this time in my life simply does not make sense, for me OR the dog. It just wouldn't work.

I just felt that the final line of your post was very dismissive and condescending towards those of us who are happy living our lives without a canine companion.

I love reading about the day-to-day life on your farm, and I definitely find your perspective on meat-eating similar to my own (which is still evolving). When all is said and done, I remain an avid fan and admirer, I just felt a little bit rejected by your opinions about this.

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. As other readers have noted, those who are offended by Jenna's point of view can choose not to read the blog. Just because someone disagrees with a post doesn't mean that it was wrong. A little controversy can be good. If all CAF readers agreed about everything, then this blog wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

We are dog people too. I can't imagine our life without our Gretchen. She is such an important part of our household.

I think Allison and Goat Song summed it up best. Some of us readers felt rejected (or judged) for not being dog people. The post ended in a way that strongly reminded me of people who passive-aggressively knock others for choosing to remain childless or following a different faith. For some people their affinity is simply another animal. My best friend adores rabbits and while I see them as a food source I can't deny they have an amazing bond!

It's tempting to say 'if you don't like it, don't read it' but the blog is a means of support for CAF. People sign up for workshops, CSAs, preorders because of this blog. I won't lie- my initial reaction was one of hurt and to withdraw from a workshop and ask for a refund. Seems silly, but if someone makes a judgment about my lifestyle before meeting me, would I feel comfortable at the workshop? Would I learn enough? Would I recommend it to my friends?

It's a balancing act to write opinion posts and run a business. And this blog is a means of supporting CAF, a farm and a business. People sign up for workshops, CSAs, contests, and offer donations. Customers expect objectivity and fairness, but this is also about you and your journey. The steer piece didn't judge anyone for their relationship with livestock (or lack thereof) but simply explained yours. This one started off elegantly enough with your love for dogs, but could have done just as well without remarking on non-dog owners.

I rather doubt she meant to offend anyone. CAF readers as a whole really need to stop taking her words so personally. Blogs are projected opinions of the writers. I've been guilty of speaking so passionately about a topic that I gloss over the fact that the entire world doesn't see as I see. It happens to all of us, folks. Her writing is never an attack on what others don't have or don't see. It's a projection of her own passions and opinions. Someone else could just as easily have said "I feel sorry for you because you don't own rabbits or iguanas or whatever, because you're missing out on what I believe is the best animal in the world". Would you throw stones at everyone who holds such a deep love? If that's the case, I DO feel sorry for you. It's 1 person's opinion, peeps. The fact that some of her readers completely missed the opportunity to feel that same passion about a species or topic they feel just as passionately about is the sorry sight. Ignore the trees for a sec and see the forest. It'll do you dome good.Peace.

I've been reading you for almost two years now, and I may not always relate to your posts (taking care of animals in freezing temperatures will never be my thing), but I've never found you offensive in any way. I keep coming back so I can enjoy your writing and root for you time and time again. Happy New Year to you, the dogs and other furry/feathered members of CAF!

@pawsfurme, what you wrote really did give me a good perspective on the issue. I guess I was taking things a little bit personally on my end, but I've been reading this blog for a year or so, and I guess I've come to a point where, maybe it's silly, but I do feel I can identify with Jenna in a lot of ways and I always enjoy reading this blog. Today was the first time that I felt excluded and a little bit looked-down-upon. I guess the last line didn't feel as "lighthearted" to me, it felt like Jenna was implying that anyone who doesn't love dogs as much as she does is living a lesser existence, in her eyes.

Mist, I was attacked by a dog as a young girl too. I was ripped across the chest and taken to the hospital for stitches and a blood test. I remember thinking about how even if that dog was bad, not all dogs were. I knew many kind dogs, and like people, knew all sorts of personalities existed.

I think a trip to the dog park with your pooch would be good. Surround yourself with other local owners who love their dogs. Their animals and good spirits might be your balm!

Interesting post. I came upon it when taking a break from surfing petfinder for animals in need of foster homes in my screenprinted (not embroidered, by the way) dog sweatshirt ;) I'm a dog person for sure. I have a different relationship with each of my five dogs but I treasure each of them. To honor my canine companions I choose to spend a portion of my time trying to find homes for some of their less fortunate brethren.

Interesting post. I came upon it when taking a break from surfing petfinder for animals in need of foster homes in my screenprinted (not embroidered, by the way) dog sweatshirt ;) I'm a dog person for sure. I have a different relationship with each of my five dogs but I treasure each of them. To honor my canine companions I choose to spend a portion of my time trying to find homes for some of their less fortunate brethren.

@Brenda....I totally agree with your comment. The problem I have when's people use diversity as a club to beat someone over the head with is the simple fact that they don't like a different opinion. Diversity is great but everyone is not always going to agree and a little disagreement is. Ot a bad thing at all. If people we so offended then I welcome the sentiment of other readers in saying ," three go some where else". I thought the post was a perfect ode to dogs for sure.

Marci I am sorry for you. I lost my beloved dog on Dec 4. He lived with me for 12 years. I miss him so.

SouthernHeart, Get the dogs. Why are men always the ones deciding about pets? They usually aren't even involved in their care.

nicole.sky, I so admire you for being a foster to homeless dogs. I just found my new dog on petfinders.com. She was in a foster home and is a wonderful well trained 1 1/2 year old pit bull. I am so blessed that I found her.

Jenna,Thank you for writing this wonderful ode to dogs! We're on the same page on this topic. I would never want to live without a dog. They are just the best. My new puppy is cuddled up to me as I write this.

Great piece Jenna. I am a dog person and live with three German Shepherds. They are indoor/outdoor dogs who share my bedroom. I can't imagine life without at least one GSD. I also have 2 working cats and no mice in my house. SouthernHeart mentioned wanting 2 labs. That is great but get them separately. A conscientious breeder will not sell two littermates. They tend to bond to each other, like species, and not to the human.

Maybe it is just being a "dog person." I am one, and there is just something about having a dog around that completes me. I could, and have, lived dogless, or with cats, which I love, but nothing else resonates in my soul like the companionship of a dog.

Some of the commenters lately, if you happen to remember their names from post to post, are just chock full of negativity. The things people are coming up with, it blows me away! The comments used to be a pleasurable addition to each post, full of wisdom and stories from kindred spirits. I wonder if any of your other really long-time readers have felt the same way? Recently the comments are chock full of what I see as criticisms and sermons and high-and-mighty-isms, maybe I'm too darn sensitive. And here I am contributing to the negativity - Ha! Alas, maybe I should just say: I now find the comment section so much less enjoyable, but I love your blog entries, Jenna! Keep up the great work.

@greendria, I agree. Instead of adding to the discussion. . .it's a distraction. MOVE ON. I, personally don't get cats but do I accept my neighbor across the street that has 3 and feeds all the ferrals. I am a dog person through and through. Cannot bear to think of life without them. When I lost my dog-companion of 12 years I about lost it and could not stop crying. Two weeks later I adopted a rescue lab. Did I stop crying? No, but I started a whole new love affair. Six months later I adopted two more rescues. I don't understand people that can live without a dog but I do accept them. Keep on keeping on, Jenna.

@Greendria - YES to that. I was actually thinking last night that I might have to stop reading the comments altogether.

Folks, Jenna shares what is true for HER. If it is not true for you, that is immaterial, because this blog is not about you. She doesn't owe anyone anything, she doesn't have to conform to your standards, and she is not here to be a yardstick to measure yourself against. She's just a person, living the life that feels right to her, and writing about it. If you're really living the life that feels right to YOU, the opinions of some random person on the internet should have zero bearing on your life.

I enjoy reading people's opinions especially if they are written in a respectful way. I think a big part of what a blog is about is generating a good discussion. I don't need for people to always be in agreement with me, in fact that would be boring. What I most like about Jenna's writing is that it supports an opinion. She knows her own mind and shares it with all of us. This is the only kind of writing worth reading in my opinion. People who call others names and are rude and disrespectful in their comments do not further the discussion but only succeed in making people angry.

I agree with Greendia. I see the same names, always with something negative to say. It feels as though some people read this blog with an eye to finding something they can disagree with or be negative about. I have a feeling, though, that it's not just here that they vent their negativity...glad I don't know the personally!Love your blog, Jenna.

@Tara I hear you—I can’t figure it out. This is a blog about Jenna and Cold Antler. Jenna is very gracious and much more patient than I could ever be with all the orneriness and offended types that misconstrue meaning, take expression of opinion as a personal affront, and pick apart just about everything Jenna writes on how she conducts her life and business. Jenna keep living and writing!

I'll admit there are a few names that soon as their emails come in (I get an email of every single comment as it posts, even if you delete it later, I still see it) and i know those comments are going to make me feel bad. Even after all these years, certain user names get my nerves up. But I am grateful for their opinions and even their anger. It keeps me on my toes, and some of them I feel as attached to as Maude, I would miss their wagging fingers if they left.

Everyone say whatever you want, I won't stop comments on the blog. there are far more good and helpful and positive ones than bad ones, and those comments are what keep me posting.

Want to hear something funny? As I read Jenna's dog post, I looked down and noted I was wearing my brand new PAW PRINT PJs. What did I do? LAUGH my as$ off. Was I offended? Hec, no. I thought it was hilarious. People, Jenna is funny not Judgy Judgerson. Maybe it is because I met her, but I know she has a quirky and GREAT sense of humor. Follow my lead..Laughing is good for the heart and soul.

P.S. On Sunday, The day I got these shinny new Paw Print PJs, I took my 2 dogs, my parent's dog and my brother's dog out to the beach to play in my PJs..with a hat and coat. As the door closed, I heard my mother say "and this must be why she can't get a husband." Was I offended? Hec, no. I thought it was hilarious...(hope everyone gets my point..)

I loved what you wrote Jenna. Right now our sheltie and pug are acting like fools in our living room. The ancient cocker rescue is looking at them like they are insane. I would not have it any other way.

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About Me

The blog of author Jenna Woginrich of Cold Antler Farm. Jenna is a 33-year old full time writer. She writes about her adventures following her dream life as a homesteader, archer, falconer, equestrian, hunter, spinner, and low-rent cook. Follow along, it never gets boring!